I have been in Romania for five months. 2010 was a difficult period for the Romanian economy, and for the British economy.
But I am optimistic about 2011. Bilateral trade is rapidly increasing and last year showed the highest levels since Romania joined the EU, with an increase by more than 30%. I have seen lots of British businessmen come to Romania recently because they appreciate the potential of this market. I hope the Romanian government can accelerate the absorption of EU funds; that is, I believe, the main challenge for the first half of this year. And we also need an improved investment climate. Which is why progress in judicial reform and in tackling corruption is so important.
The UK sees Romania as a key partner in Europe. We have a lot of common objectives – like enlarging the EU to Turkey and Moldova and the Western Balkans. This week the European Council will be discussing energy, where both Romania and the UK want an EU energy policy that favours diverse sources and diverse routes. We can work better together in Brussels – which is why we had a seminar last week for UK and Romanian officials to share ideas on working with the European Parliament.
The UK was a strong supporter of Romania’s entry into the EU. Now we want to develop our partnership as equal members of the EU, and of NATO. Afghanistan is a good example. We’re fighting alongside Romania in the south of the country. We are also contributing to the training of Romanian troops before they go out. And we are looking forward to welcoming to Bucharest this week Major General Nick Carter, who was Commander for the ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) Regional Command South from November 2009 to November 2010. He is coming to Romania to thank the military for its role in the NATO-led mission in Southern Afghanistan.